Post by UNION of SPORTS! on Dec 1, 2018 1:04:46 GMT -5
SWORD OF LITE GRAND PRIX
Day 2
11/30/2018
Shibuya Deluxe Field House, Tokyo, Japan
Dropping the bombshell on Chikashi Enatsu!
Fans were greeted today by the uncommon appearance of General Manager Masaaki “Genki” Sano addressing the crowd. Beaming with a proud grin, he declared that the company’s owner Chikashi Enatsu had been voted off the board of directors and no longer held any influence over official promotion activities. The GM stated that the decision was made to preserve the dignity of puroresu against the “swirling vortex of crass chaos” of Enatsu’s decision-making. He promised the fans that he had done the right thing and promised no more distractions would interrupt the Sword of Lite Grand Prix.
Mushigahara vs. Joseph White
The behemoth-like “God-Beast” Mushigahara opened the show by demonstrating that “Gold Standard Killer” Joseph White was the gold standard of getting dropped on his head and neck with a sickening half-nelson suplex! After the match, doctors would declare that, for his own safety, White should be held out of the rest of the tour as a precautionary measure.
ZENKI and Shachimon vs. Frank Dylan James and Balloon Yamazaki
The MAX Heavyweight Champ and leader of the Demon Brigade offered Shachimon, a former sumo, quite a bit of support and encouragement as they squared off with the riotous duo of FDJ and Balloon Yamazaki. The former sumo did his best against FDJ but the West Virginian hit him with Mongolian Chops and called over to ZENKI to enter the ring!
When ZENKI was tagged in, he showed just why he’s remained champion for the past six month. He immediately went to the apron and used the ropes as a shield between him and FDJ, eventually getting FDJ caught and choking him between the ropes! He would tag in Shachimon who would push FDJ around ~ who would then hit Shachimon with a thunderous face slap and jump over to tag in Yamazaki!
The two bigger MAX Dojo students would battle and Shachimon would hit a palm strike to put Yamazaki on a knee. He’d tag in ZENKI and Shachimon would get on his hands and knee, allowing ZENKI to run and springboard off his back to hit a shining wizard on Yamazaki for the 1-2-3!
Mike Musket and Umetaro Sakamoto vs. Go Gensai and Hiro Minamoto
The sparks would fly in the early goings as Musket and Gensai would square off. It was Gensai’s heel tactics – LITERALLY – by going for numerous heel hooks to slow down Big Ole Country and keep him away from his corner. But the wily catch wrestling veteran would slip away and hit a backdrop driver to even the odds.
Both men would tag in their respective teammates, Sakamoto and Minamoto, the top two students in MAX Dojo. Minamoto would bring the King’s Road style with numerus enzuigiris and brainbusters, but in the end it was Sakamoto’s supreme technical skills, allowing the “Hunter of Holds” to lock on an abdominal stretch and twist Minamoto into the tapout submission!
BREAKING NEWS: Nakama knocked out of tour!
Our reporter in the field, Sue Tsuboi, caught up with Xpress Fighting System’s Arnold Cunningham who represents Shinjiro Nakama, one-half of the World Tag Team Champions along with FDJ. Cunningham stated that the heinous and illegal injuries inflicted upon Nakama by Go Gensai would keep him off the remainder of the tour to recover.
What does this do to the World Tag Team title picture? We would have to wait to find out…
Sword of Light Grand Prix:
Lynx vs Sen Oka
Lynx vs Sen Oka
To say the fans where hyped for this match would be an understatement. Fans of the pro wrestling world booed the name of Sen Oka while MMA lovers rejoiced, The Mighty Lynx was basked in glory on his way to the ring. No love was shared as the two men death stared one another, the fans really not enjoying the presence of Oka, even for all his skill, he still looked down on the sport.
But once the match launched off both men proved that they belonged in the mightiest federation of Pro Wrestlers ever assembled. Lighting fast moves from both men had the fans on the edge of their seats, transitioning to the tips of their toes as they fell over one another to get eyes on the action.
Whereas Oka once attracted all their venom he had no rallied a small following, even though they were dwarfed in comparison to the Lynx champion. People loved the Champ, every time he knocked off a high risk maneuver the fans roared, eventually through Lynx went for a second rope moonsault that was avoided, landing on his knees only to be greeted by a stiff spinning wheel kick to the face.
Let's take you to the finish...
Sen Oka makes his way to his feet.
TIM FLOSS:
I cannot believe the athleticism of these two men Al!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I’m telling you, Timmy. Lynx is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Junior Heavyweights in Max. He’s got the agility of a cat and the power of a Rhino. But this Sen Oka kid is trained by our Pale General…and he’s got a touch of the madness!
Oka walks over to the ropes and takes a moment to lean against them as he catches his breathe. The mistake of entering this as a fight had proven a poor decision but he had slowly been adapting it over the course of the match. Lynx had made his way over to the turnbuckle nearby and Oka made his way over. Stiff kicks to the shoulders of Lynx where given slowly, even as Lynx started to rise.
TIM FLOSS:
The Champ is making his way to his feet…
Oka comes in for a rising kick to the midsection but Lynx rolls with the force and rolls onto his feet, dashing forward with a lariat. Oka goes down but is quick to scramble to his feet. Lynx bounces off and returns with another lariat, Oka comes back up to his feet and Lynx feints high with a lariat but drives a knee into Oka’s face as he attempts the counter the lariat.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Looks like this kitten has claws!
The two men exchange a look as Al motions with his head a sign of, “I know what I said. Big man Lynx makes his way over to the stunted Oka and bends over from the North/South position and grabs hold of Oka by the head, but Oka pivots and reaches up grabbing hold of the big man by his mask and pulls him toward the ground as drive a knee up into the temple of Lynx who goes down like a stone on top of Oka.
1…
2…
3-NO! Oka gets the shoulder up!
Oka manages to manhandle the man completely off of him and make his way to his feet, but Lynx’s body still lies there lifeless. The fans start chanting until the ref makes his way over to check on him and find him to be knocked out stone cold…
Lynx doesn’t stir…
And the ref calls for the bell!
TIM FLOSS:
I can’t believe my eyes… Oka has beaten the champion! What an upset!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
You better believe it you old mule. Remember that Lynx has a loss under the Sport Form rules to METAL HERO a couple months ago. These fighters trained in the shoot-style present problems for Lynx. And Oka has spent years in the MMA game so of course his knees are gonna be dangerous! Lynx still almost pinned him for the three count out of sheer luck and dead weight, but Oka managed to get him off in time
Attendants gather around to check up on Lynx, sitting him up as he groggily returns to life and is informed of what had happened. Meanwhile, Sen Oka is clapping in the middle of the ring with an arrogant sneer, showcasing the superiority of his skillset, a victory over the Jr. Heavyweight Champion, and having advanced to the next round…
TIM FLOSS:
I cannot believe the athleticism of these two men Al!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
I’m telling you, Timmy. Lynx is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Junior Heavyweights in Max. He’s got the agility of a cat and the power of a Rhino. But this Sen Oka kid is trained by our Pale General…and he’s got a touch of the madness!
Oka walks over to the ropes and takes a moment to lean against them as he catches his breathe. The mistake of entering this as a fight had proven a poor decision but he had slowly been adapting it over the course of the match. Lynx had made his way over to the turnbuckle nearby and Oka made his way over. Stiff kicks to the shoulders of Lynx where given slowly, even as Lynx started to rise.
TIM FLOSS:
The Champ is making his way to his feet…
Oka comes in for a rising kick to the midsection but Lynx rolls with the force and rolls onto his feet, dashing forward with a lariat. Oka goes down but is quick to scramble to his feet. Lynx bounces off and returns with another lariat, Oka comes back up to his feet and Lynx feints high with a lariat but drives a knee into Oka’s face as he attempts the counter the lariat.
ALBERT MORDECAI:
Looks like this kitten has claws!
The two men exchange a look as Al motions with his head a sign of, “I know what I said. Big man Lynx makes his way over to the stunted Oka and bends over from the North/South position and grabs hold of Oka by the head, but Oka pivots and reaches up grabbing hold of the big man by his mask and pulls him toward the ground as drive a knee up into the temple of Lynx who goes down like a stone on top of Oka.
1…
2…
3-NO! Oka gets the shoulder up!
Oka manages to manhandle the man completely off of him and make his way to his feet, but Lynx’s body still lies there lifeless. The fans start chanting until the ref makes his way over to check on him and find him to be knocked out stone cold…
Lynx doesn’t stir…
And the ref calls for the bell!
TIM FLOSS:
I can’t believe my eyes… Oka has beaten the champion! What an upset!
ALBERT MORDECAI:
You better believe it you old mule. Remember that Lynx has a loss under the Sport Form rules to METAL HERO a couple months ago. These fighters trained in the shoot-style present problems for Lynx. And Oka has spent years in the MMA game so of course his knees are gonna be dangerous! Lynx still almost pinned him for the three count out of sheer luck and dead weight, but Oka managed to get him off in time
Attendants gather around to check up on Lynx, sitting him up as he groggily returns to life and is informed of what had happened. Meanwhile, Sen Oka is clapping in the middle of the ring with an arrogant sneer, showcasing the superiority of his skillset, a victory over the Jr. Heavyweight Champion, and having advanced to the next round…
Sword of Lite Grand Prix:
Thunder Mask vs. METAL HERO
Thunder Mask vs. METAL HERO
In a clash between two titan junior heavyweights, it was METAL HERO once again getting the better of his adversary Thunder Mask. The SSPW “super junior” took it to HERO early in the match, capping off a run of offense with a brainbuster for a two count. But the pristine kicks from METAL HERO eventually sunk Thunder Mask, capped off by his patented heavy yakuza kick a/k/a the Metallic Kick for the victory to advance in the tournament.
Sword of Lite Grand Prix:
Tokyo Zombie vs, Mascara del Muerte IV
Tokyo Zombie vs, Mascara del Muerte IV
This match had a quick pace in the opening, with MDM4 getting the Buddhist monk out of his comfort zone with headscissors takedowns, arm drags, and a backflipping elbow smash into the corner much to the chagrin of the Demon Brigade zealots in the audience. But eventually Zombie would catch the luchador in his Vise of Virtue and put the squeeze on the high-flyer, forcing him to the mat.
Things look dark for MDM4, but he somehow got to his feet while the head claw was still applied and springboarded off the ropes into a flying cross armbreaker! The excited murmur through the crowd and the excitement was palpable, but Zombie escaped out of it and got into the full mount and started raining down elbow strikes! The referee was concerned and nearly called the match, but MDM4 managed to buck off Zombie and escape to the outside.
Zombie would follow and throw MDM4 back into the ring. The luchador would jump up to his feet and hit a dropkick and then ascend to the top rope ~ but Zombie followed him! The two men would struggle on the top rope, Zombie slinging headbutts with MDM4 hitting chops to the chest ~ and then jumping up or an avalanche-style hurricanrana! Zombie would land sickeningly on his head and MDM4 would cover for the 1… 2… 3! In a show of good sportsmanship, MDM4 and Zombie would exchange bows before the latter parted to let the luchador celebrate on the second rope his advancement to the semifinals.
Sword of Lite Grand Prix:
David Troy vs. AJ Knight
David Troy vs. AJ Knight
The energy was intense for this matchup with two former World’s Heavyweight Champions going at one another. It began with a chain-wrestling affair, the two men reversing rear-waist locks, then reversing hammerlocks, and then an exchange of dueling arm drag takedowns that would end with both men on one knee in a staredown as the fans applauded!
Chain-wrestling would give way to the two men trading strikes, and it was here that Troy’s superior Muay Thai background would give him a marked advantage. He backed up AJ into a corner and then got in the clinch with several knees before dropping AJ with a double-underhook belly-to-belly suplex! He’d cover but only get a two-count.
Troy would go for the full-mount but AJ would roll out of it and get up to his feet, tackling Troy to the ground with a spear! He’d pick up Troy’s right leg and hit a couple leg drops to the thigh and then apply a Figure 4 Leglock, causing Troy to wince in pain! Troy would grab the ropes but he’d get up hobbled and AJ would catch him with a Dragon Screw to wear down Troy’s best weapon.
AJ would lay stomps into Troy, Troy eating them as he tried to get up. Stomps turned into roundhouse kicks into the chest that sucked the wind out of Troy. AJ would go for a superkick ~ and connect! Troy would go stumbling back into the ropes, stumbling forward and ~ another super kick! ~ but this one would miss and Troy would hit a shining enzuigiri that would cause AJ’s eyes to roll into the back of his head! He’s go for the pin and get 1… 2… 2.99!
Troy would limp after AJ as he got him up and hit three roundhouse kicks into the chest followed by a roaring elbow! But AJ would remain on his feet, kick Troy in the gut and go for the Knightfall DDT ~ but Troy would wiggle out and ~ FLASHBANG! He’d hook the leg for the 1… 2… 2.9999999!!! The fans were in complete shock as Troy smacked the mat in frustration and try to stretch out his leg while AJ rolled onto his side.
Troy would set up AJ one more time… but AJ intercepted him with another superkick! A nearly unconscious Troy would throw a spinning roundhouse kick that AJ ducked and locked on a rear-waist lock. Troy would circle around for his own rear waist-lock and go for the sleeper, causing AJ to raise his arms and Troy to lock it back on and hit a German suplex hold! He’d bridge for the 1… 2… 3! AJ would kick out at just the last moment but it was too late! As the referee raised Troy’s hand, AJ and he would exchange a nod of respect.
Post-match press conference ~ World Tag Team title update!
Word of Shinjiro Nakama’s injuries had reached GM Masaaki Sano who made the following reveal to the fans. As of midnight, the World Tag Team titles would be vacated! He further declared that on the next show, the opening round of a four team tournament would be held to determine the finalists for a decision match for the vacant titles on 12/14!
Frank Dylan James would be placed alongside Go Gensai, the man who injured his former partner and the reason for the Tag Team titles’ becoming vacant! They will face Mike Musket and Lynx, a team that will bring the folkstyle grappling with the lucha tradition go for the gold! ZENKI and Tokyo Zombie will be representing the Demon Brigade against AJ Knight and Mushigahara, another strange pairing given David Troy’s affiliation with the latter… nevertheless, it’s bound to be an exciting matchup!
MJPW will return on 12/7 for the 3rd day of the Sword of Lite Grand Prix. In the tournament, Sen Oka will test his meteoric rise against the former MAX Jr. Heavyweight Champion METAL HERO. Can Oka knock off another man that has held the title or will METAL HERO's path of redemption take one more step forward?
We will also see Mascara del Muerte IV square off against David Troy. In a battle of lucha libre versus supreme kickboxing, just who will win? Can MDM4 avoid the deadly knees of one of the world's greatest strikers? Or will David Troy succumb to the whirlwind of high-flying acrobatics and high-risk maneuvers? There's only one way to find out!
- RECAP -
2018 Sword of Lite Grand Prix ~ Quarterfinals - Day 2
Date: 11/30/2018
Location: Shibuya Deluxe Field House, Tokyo, Japan
Attendance: 5,000 fans (100% capacity)
1. Mushigahara defeats Joseph White (9:08) via pinfall after a half-nelson suplex.
2. ZENKI and Shachimon defeat Frank Dylan James and Balloon Yamazaki (11:09) via pinfall after ZENKI uses a shining wizard on Yamazaki.
3. Mike Musket and Umetaro Sakamoto defeat Go Gensai and Hiro Minamoto (12:14) via submission after Sakamoto uses an abdominal stretch on Minamoto.
Sword of Light Grand Prix - Quarterfinals: Sen Oka defeats Lynx (13:59) via referee stoppage (knee).
Sword of Light Grand Prix - Quarterfinals: METAL HERO defeats Thunder Mask (10:13) via pinfall after the Metallic Kick.
Sword of Light Grand Prix - Quarterfinals: Mascara de Muerte IV defeats Tokyo Zombie (19:22) via pinfall after an avalanche-style hurricanrana.
Sword of Light Grand Prix - Quarterfinals: David Troy defeats AJ Knight (27:40) via pinfall with a German suplex hold.
- PREVIEW -
2018 Sword of Lite Grand Prix ~ Quarterfinals - Day 3
Date: 12/7/2018
Location: Electronic Moon Coliseum, Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
1. World Tag Team Championship Tournament: Frank Dylan James and Go Gensai vs. Mike Musket and Lynx
2. World Tag Team Championship Tournament: ZENKI and Tokyo Zombie vs. Mushigahara and AJ Knight
3. Sword of Lite Grand Prix – Semifinals: Sen Oka vs. METAL HERO
4. Sword of Lite Grand Prix – Semifinals: Mascara del Muerte IV vs. David Troy